Computer-implemented systems and methods to enable complex functionality on a blockchain while preserving security-based restrictions on script size and opcode limits

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to blockchain technologies such as the Bitcoin blockchain. The invention uses a novel technique to decompose the functionality of a blockchain transaction script into several chunks or functional parts, and to use the output of a chunk as the input of the next chunk. Advantageously, this allows the blockchain to be used for ever complex tasks and computations while minimising script size, and also provides a novel architecture for the distributed execution of computational processes. The invention comprises a method of using a plurality of blockchain transactions to execute a computer implemented task, the method comprising the steps: using an unlocking script (ULS1) in a blockchain transaction (Tx2) to present at least one data item to a locking script (LS1) of another transaction (Tx1) so as to provide a result on a stack; generating a further unlocking script (ULS2) which comprises the result provided on the stack; presenting the further unlocking script (ULS2) to a further locking script (LS2) such that the result from the stack is provided as input to the further locking script.

This invention relates generally to blockchain technology, and more particularly to implementing complex functionality via the blockchain. Advantageously, the invention allows for the outcome of a computation or executed code to be transferred one to the other, providing a mechanism which uses blockchain transactions as a control mechanism for enabling, influencing and directing the activities of a computer-implemented process. The invention is particularly suited for, but not limited to, the implementation and control of automated processes.

In this document we use the term ‘blockchain’ to include all forms of electronic, computer-based, distributed ledgers, including, but not limited to blockchain and transaction-chain technologies, permissioned and un-permissioned ledgers, shared ledgers and variations thereof. The most widely known application of blockchain technology is the Bitcoin ledger, although other blockchain implementations have been proposed and developed. While Bitcoin may be referred to herein for the purpose of convenience and illustration, it should be noted that the invention is not limited to use with the Bitcoin blockchain and alternative blockchain implementations and protocols fall within the scope of the present invention.

A blockchain is a consensus-based, electronic ledger which is implemented as a computer-based decentralised, distributed system made up of blocks which in turn are made up of transactions. Each transaction includes at least one input and at least one output. Each block contains a hash of the previous block to that blocks become chained together to create a permanent, unalterable record of all transactions which have been written to the blockchain since its inception. Transactions contain small programs known as scripts embedded into their inputs and outputs, which specify how and by whom the outputs of the transactions can be accessed. On the Bitcoin platform, these scripts are written using a stack-based scripting language. Scripts are made up of instructions (opcodes) which push data items onto the stack, or pop them off the stack.

In order for a transaction to be written to the blockchain, it must be “validated”. Network nodes (miners) perform work to ensure that each transaction is valid, with invalid transactions rejected from the network. Software clients installed on the nodes perform this validation work on an unspent transaction (UTXO) by executing its locking and unlocking scripts. If execution of the locking and unlocking scripts evaluate to TRUE, the transaction is valid and the transaction is written to the blockchain. Thus, in order for a transaction to be written to the blockchain, it must be i) validated by the first node that receives the transaction—if the transaction is validated, the node relays it to the other nodes in the network; and ii) added to a new block built by a miner; and iii) mined, i.e. added to the public ledger of past transactions.

Although blockchain technology is most widely known for the use of cryptocurrency implementation, digital entrepreneurs have begun exploring the use of both the cryptographic security system Bitcoin is based on and the data that can be stored on the Blockchain to implement new systems. It would be highly advantageous if the blockchain could be used for automated tasks and processes which are not limited to the realm of cryptocurrency. Such solutions would be able to harness the benefits of the blockchain (e.g. a permanent, tamper proof records of events, distributed processing etc) while being more versatile in their applications.

One area of current research is the use of the blockchain for the implementation of “smart contracts”—machine executable programs which act upon the conditions set out in machine-readable documents and comprise rules that can process inputs in order to produce results, which can then cause actions to be performed dependent upon those results.

However, as more and more sophisticated applications are devised for blockchain technology, so the need for ever-increasingly complex script functionality rises as well. A technical problem arises here, though, as blockchain technologies are purposefully designed to restrict and limit what can be legitimately achieved within a script. For example, due to security considerations, the Bitcoin Script language is deliberately non-Turning complete. Furthermore, an upper limit of 200 op-codes is imposed per script so as to prevent Denial of Service attacks. As long as a Bitcoin transaction script contains fewer than 200 op_codes, it can be validated and broadcasted. However, with the advent of more sophisticated program elements (e.g. primitives), this limit places a restriction the development of more complex technical solutions for applications such as smart contract execution.

Thus, a technical solution is required which enables complex functionality to be built into blockchain scripts without compromising security and/or requiring any adaptation of the existing protocol. Preferably, this solution would allow the capabilities of existing blockchain protocols such as the Bitcoin protocol, to enable the infrastructure to be used in novel and advantageous ways by using blockchain transactions and the stack to extend the computational abilities of the blockchain beyond its present limits. Such a technique would enable the use of transactions to control, influence and direct the execution of a technical process.

Such a solution has now been devised. The invention provides at least the advantages described herein.

The present invention is defined in the appended claims. Therefore, in accordance with the invention there may be provided a method and/or corresponding system.

According to one perspective, the invention may be viewed as providing a technique and corresponding implementation which enables complex functions to be performed via the use of a blockchain. Advantageously, this technique may use a combination of a variety of distinct computing components to perform the specified function. These may comprise one or more software-based clients, at least one storage resource (preferably a stack-based data structure), at least one digital wallet executing on at least one processor and arranged to generate a blockchain transaction, and/or a blockchain. Preferably, this may be the Bitcoin blockchain.

Embodiments of the invention may involve the decomposition of a technical task over multiple transactions and their respective inputs and outputs. Embodiments of the invention may obtain data from at least one data storage resource and use that data to control the execution of a task or computation which is implemented over multiple blockchain transactions, in particular by passing script outputs between the respective transaction inputs and outputs.

The various system components mentioned above may be arranged so as to obtain and pass data items between the components so as to enable computations and tasks to be performed via the blockchain transactions. These computations/tasks can be lengthy and complex, and could not be performed via blockchain transactions prior to the present invention, possibly due to an enforced limit on the size of the script and/or number of op_codes used therein.

Once the transactions are on the blockchain, they are recorded in an immutable and permanent manner. Therefore, from one perspective the invention provides an improved blockchain protocol, improved blockchain client, an improved computational technique and corresponding apparatus, and/or an improved process control mechanism.

In one sense, the invention enables complex computations to be performed via a blockchain protocol while still preserving the security-based restrictions on script size and opcode limits. Prior to the invention, such lengthy computations would either be impossible using, for example, the current Bitcoin protocol or one would have to use an alternative form of blockchain which does not include script-based restrictions. The latter is not always desirable or feasible. Thus, the invention provides an enhanced security mechanism. As it provides a means for achieving results that were hitherto not possible via the protocol, the invention provides an improved blockchain protocol.

A method in accordance with the invention may be described as a blockchain method (and corresponding system). It may be described as a method of using a plurality of blockchain transactions to execute a computer-implemented task. Additionally or alternatively, it may be described as a method of:

-   -   controlling the execution of computer-implemented task by         allocating or distributing the execution of portions of the task         to locking and unlocking scripts provided in two or more         respective blockchain transactions;     -   controlling the execution of a computer-implemented task by         reading a value from a stack-based data structure and passing it         as a value from an unlocking script to a locking script.

The method may comprise the steps:

-   -   using an unlocking script (ULS1) in a blockchain transaction         (Tx2) to present at least one data item to a locking script         (LS1) of another transaction (Tx1) so as to provide a result on         a stack;     -   generating a further unlocking script (ULS2) which comprises the         result provided on the stack; and/or     -   presenting the further unlocking script (ULS2) to a further         locking script (LS2) such that the result from the stack is         provided as input to the further locking script.

The blockchain transactions may be arranged in accordance with a version of the Bitcoin protocol.

One or more of the above steps may be repeated, i.e. performed more than once.

The method may further comprise the step(s) of:

-   -   using the at least one data item in the execution of a         calculation or sequence of instructions provided within the         locking script (LS1).

The method may further comprise the step(s) of:

-   -   using the result provided on the stack in the execution of a         calculation or sequence of instructions provided within the         further locking script (LS2).

The method may further comprise the step(s) of:

-   -   obtaining the result from the stack.

The method may further comprise the step(s) of:

-   -   validating the blockchain transaction (Tx2) and/or the other         transaction (Tx1) to generate the result on the stack.

The unlocking script (ULS1) and the further unlocking script (ULS2) may be provided in association with different inputs within the same blockchain transaction (Tx2).

The locking script (LS1) and the further locking script (LS2) may be provided in association with different outputs within the same blockchain transaction (Tx1).

The unlocking script (ULS1) and the further unlocking script (ULS2) may be provided in association with inputs within different blockchain transactions. The locking script (LS1) and the further locking script (LS2) may be provided in association with outputs within different blockchain transactions.

The step of presenting the further unlocking script (ULS2) to a further locking script (LS2) may provide a further result on the stack, or on a different stack.

The step of generating the further unlocking script (ULS2) may comprise:

-   -   amending the blockchain transaction (Tx2) to insert an input         (In2), wherein the further unlocking script (ULS2) is associated         with the inserted input (In2).

The method may further comprise the step(s) of:

-   -   using a blockchain client to obtain the result from the stack.         The blockchain client may be a Bitcoin client. The stack may be         the main stack or an alt stack.

The method may further comprise the step(s) of:

-   -   submitting the blockchain transaction (Tx2) and/or other         blockchain transaction (Tx1) to the blockchain network.

The at least one data item may be provided as metadata within the unlocking script (ULS1); and/or

-   -   the result may be provided as metadata within the further         unlocking script (ULS2).

An embodiment of the invention may also provide a method of using a plurality of blockchain transactions to execute a computer-implemented task, comprising the steps:

-   -   using an unlocking script (ULS1) associated with a first input         (In1) in a blockchain transaction (Tx2) to present at least one         data item to a locking script (LS1) of another transaction (Tx1)         so as to provide a result on a stack;     -   amending the blockchain transaction (Tx2) to include a second         input (In2);     -   generating a further unlocking script (ULS2) associated with the         second input (In2), the further unlocking script (ULS2)         comprising the result from the stack; and     -   presenting the further unlocking script (ULS2) to a further         locking script (LS2) such that the result from the stack is         provided as input to the further locking script (LS2).

The method may further comprise the steps of:

-   -   performing one or more of the above steps more than once; and/or     -   using the at least one data item in the execution of a         calculation or sequence of instructions provided within the         locking script (LS1); and/or     -   using the result provided on the stack in the execution of a         calculation or sequence of instructions provided within the         further locking script (LS2); and/or     -   obtaining the result from the stack; and/or     -   validating the blockchain transaction (Tx2) and/or the other         transaction (Tx1) to generate the result on the stack.

The unlocking script (ULS1) and the further unlocking script (ULS2) may be provided in association with different inputs (In1 In2) within the same blockchain transaction (Tx2). The locking script (LS1) and the further locking script (LS2) may be provided in association with different outputs within the same blockchain transaction (Tx1).

The step of presenting the further unlocking script (ULS2) to a further locking script (LS2) may provide a further result on the stack, or on a different stack.

The method may comprise the step of using a blockchain client to obtain the result from the stack. The blockchain client may be a Bitcoin client.

The invention may also provide a method of using a plurality of blockchain transactions to execute a computer-implemented task, comprising the steps:

-   -   using an unlocking script (ULS1) associated with a first input         (In1) in a blockchain transaction (Tx2) to present at least one         data item to a first locking script (LS1) of another transaction         (Tx1) so as to provide a result on a stack;     -   generating a further unlocking script (ULS2) associated with a         second input (In2) and comprising the result from the stack;         wherein the second input (In2) is provided in a further         blockchain transaction (Tx3); and     -   presenting the further unlocking script (ULS2) to a further         locking script (LS2) such that the result from the stack is         provided as input to the further locking script.

The locking script (LS1) and further locking script (LS2) may be associated with outputs in different blockchain transactions. The unlocking script (ULS1) and further unlocking script (ULS2) may be associated with inputs in different blockchain transactions.

The method may further comprise the step of using the at least one data item in the execution of a calculation or sequence of instructions provided within the locking script (LS1).

The method may further comprise the step of using the result provided on the stack in the execution of a calculation or sequence of instructions provided within the further locking script (LS2).

The method may further comprise the step of obtaining the result from the stack.

The method may further comprise the step of using a blockchain client to obtain the result from the stack, preferably wherein the blockchain client is a Bitcoin client.

The method may further comprise the step of validating the blockchain transaction (Tx2) and/or the other transaction (Tx1), and/or further transaction (Tx3) to generate the result on the stack.

The method may further comprise the step of obtaining the result from the stack and inserting the result into an unlocking script after a return command or instruction. The command or instruction may be the Bitcoin OP_RETURN opcode.

Embodiments of the invention also comprise a corresponding system and apparatus. The invention may comprise a computer-implemented system arranged and configured to implement any preceding method step(s) mentioned above or substantially as described hereafter.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to, the embodiment described herein. An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompany drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates the chain of transactions and the sequential steps involved in a multiple inputs/outputs approach according to a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows Transaction 1 (Tx1) according to an illustrative version of a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows Transaction 2 (Tx2) according to an illustrative version of a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows an illustrative chain of transactions according to an illustrative version of embodiment 2

FIGS. 5 to 8 show transactions 1, 2, 3, and 4 in accordance with an illustrative version of embodiment 2.

FIGS. 9a and 9b show illustrations of how an example version of the invention may be provided in accordance with embodiment 1.

FIG. 10 shows a simple illustration of a blockchain client being used to obtain an item left on top of the stack.

ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In the following examples, we shall use Bitcoin as our illustrative blockchain implementation and protocol, because it is the most widely known. This is for the purposes of illustration only and it should be noted that the invention is not limited in this regard. Other blockchain implementations will also fall within the scope of the invention.

In order to prevent deployment of DoS (Denial of Service) attacks, the default Bitcoin client sets a limit on the maximum number of bytes and op_codes that can be include in a valid script. As it stands at the priority date of the present application, this limit is 10,000 bytes and 201 op codes. Any script comprising more than 201 op-codes or 10,000 bytes will not be valid. While imposed for worthwhile reasons, this restriction hampers the development of more sophisticated script functionality and, therefore, the complexity of the technical solutions that can be designed to operate in conjunction with blockchain technology.

The present invention provides two techniques (embodiments) which enable users to split blockchain scripts into multiple inputs/outputs via the use of two or more blockchain transactions. Both embodiments may rely on the capability of automated computing agents (or “bots”) which are configured to:

-   -   read the state of the stack,     -   propagate i.e. communicate the result(s) of executed script(s)         to the input(s) of unspent transaction output(s),     -   split up large complex scripts into multiple smaller, simple         units.

It should be noted that in some blockchain implementations, such as Bitcoin, a customised reference client may be required to enable the state of the stack to be read after a script has terminated, as the default Bitcoin client does not provide access to this item of information. The stack is represented as a list in a .cpp file, which is included in the bitcoin core program. By inserting a few lines of code into the class which emulates the stack behaviour, it is possible to obtain and return information contained in the list. The information can then be passed on for use by another computing resource and/or in another computation. This is shown in FIG. 10. Thus, the invention provides a novel form of blockchain client and apparatus.

The propagation of the result of the executed script does not require any automation and could be performed manually (at least in principle). However, in a typical implementation it is expected that external systems such as compilers would handle the automation of the operations involved in splitting complex scripts.

Advantageously, no modification of the Bitcoin protocol is required by the present invention. In other words, while a custom client may be needed to prepare the transaction(s), once the transactions have been broadcast, all nodes of the Bitcoin network will be able to validate them.

Thus, in accordance with (all versions of) the invention, the underlying concept is to split the script into several chunks or functional parts, and to use the output of a chunk as the input of the next chunk. This is an important deviation from the prior art. It allows the blockchain to be used for ever complex tasks and computations while preserving the security-based limit on script size, and provides a novel technique and architecture for the distributed execution of computational processes. Thus, the invention provides an improved, secure blockchain.

However, it must be kept in mind that the ultimate outcome of the execution of a script is binary, i.e. either the transaction is marked invalid or it is marked valid (assuming that it satisfies also the other requirements). Therefore, in order to “connect” the outputs of one chunk of computation with the inputs of the next chunk of computation one must use a non-reference client that can access the values on the stack and reuse them, as explained above.

We start with the following simple example:

x+y>3

which can be written in terms of OP codes in the following way:

OP_<x>OP_<y>OP_ADD OP_3 OP_GREATERTHAN

We split this into the following two chunks:

z=x+y

z>3

In accordance with a first approach, a solution could be adopted as now described.

Alice prepares Tx1 as follows:

Tx1 In0:

-   -   amount: A+<dust>+tf     -   ref: . . .     -   unlocked by: . . .

Out1:

-   -   amount: <dust>     -   locked by: OP_ADD OP_SWAP<Bob's pubKey>OP_SWAP OP_CHECKSIG         OP_DROP

Out2:

-   -   amount: A     -   locked by: OP_3 OP_GREATERTHAN OP_SWAP<Bob's pubKey>OP_DROP

Now Bob begins to prepare Tx2 in the following way:

Tx2 In0:

-   -   amount: tf     -   ref: . . .     -   unlocked by: . . .

In1:

-   -   amount: <dust>     -   ref: Tx1:Out1     -   unlocked by: <Bob's signature>OP_2 OP_3

Out0:

-   -   amount: <dust>     -   locked by: . . .

Bob will now sign the transaction, validate it, and (use the customised client to) read from the stack the output of the unlocking script of Tx2:In1 chained with the unlocking script of Tx1:Out1.

He will then proceed to alter Tx2 by adding the following input and output:

In2:

-   -   amount: A     -   ref: Tx1:Out2     -   unlocked by: <Bob's signature>OP_5

Out1:

-   -   amount: A     -   locked by: . . .         where obviously OP_5 is the result of the first chunk of the         computation. Also in this case, one could use multi-signatures         to prevent Bob from broadcasting a transaction within which OP_5         is replaced with something else. This approach has the advantage         that a large number of chunks (up to the limit on the number of         inputs and outputs in a transaction) can be chained using only         two transactions. Therefore, complex functionality and         computation can be performed in an efficient manner, requiring         only two transactions to be validated and mined by the         blockchain network, and using minimal storage requirements on         the blockchain.

In accordance with an alternative approach the following steps could be taken.

The first transaction Tx1 is prepared and jointly signed by all the owners of the inputs. Inputs are sent to Alice's public key using the following locking script:

OP_ADD OP_SWAP<Alice's pubKey>OP_SWAP OP_CHECKSIG OP_DROP

Tx1 In:

-   -   amount: A+tf     -   ref: . . .     -   unlocked by: . . .

Out1:

-   -   amount: A     -   locked by: OP_ADD OP_SWAP<Alice's pubKey>OP_SWAP OP_CHECKSIG         OP_DROP

Alice will now prepare Tx2 in the following way:

Tx2 In1:

-   -   amount: 2*<dust>+tf     -   ref: . . .     -   unlocked by: . . .

In2:

-   -   amount: A     -   ref: Tx1:Out1     -   unlocked by: <Alice's signature>OP_2 OP_3

Out1:

-   -   amount: <dust>     -   locked by: . . .         where Tx2:In2 will be now signed with the flag SIGHASH_NONE, so         that other outputs can be added. As known in the art,         SIGHASH_NONE is a Bitcoin signature hash type which signs only         inputs. Therefore, when SIGHASH_NONE is used, anyone is able to         modify the outputs in any manner that they choose.

Tx2:In1 presumably references Alice's funds and can be unlocked with SIGHASH_SINGLE so that, again, other outputs can be added. In the current form, the transaction will transfer amount A as transaction fees. However, Alice does not broadcast the transaction in the current form, but simply verifies it locally. In the verification process the unlocking script of Tx2:In2 will be executed together with the locking script of Tx1:Out:

<Alice's signature>OP_2 OP_3 OP_ADD OP_SWAP <Alice's pubKey>OP_SWAP OP_CHECKSIG OP_DROP

and at the end of the execution of the stack the remaining result will be 5, i.e. the result of the first chunk of computation. Alice's custom Bitcoin client will now save or record the result of the first chunk of computation and modify Tx2 by adding the following two outputs:

Out2:

-   -   amount: A     -   locked by: OP_3 OP_GREATERTHAN OP_SWAP<Bob's pubKey>OP_DROP

Out3:

-   -   amount: <dust>     -   locked by: OP_RETURN OP_5         but she will sign Tx2's inputs again, this time with the usual         flag SIGHASH_ALL, so that now none of the outputs of the         transaction can be modified. Bob can now complete the         computation by reading the data stored in Out3 after OP_RETURN.

As known in the art, OP_RETURN is a Bitcoin OP_CODE which can be used to mark a transaction output (TxO) as invalid. Any data provided after OP_RETURN is ignored in respect of Bitcoin payments, and thus OP_RETURN has been used in the prior art as a mechanism for conveying non-payment related data via the blockchain.

Bob now prepares the following transaction:

Tx3 In:

-   -   amount: A     -   ref: Tx2:Out2     -   unlocked by: <Bob's signature>OP_5

Out: . . .

In principle, after OP_RETURN one could store a hash indexed in a DHT, so that arbitrarily long intermediate results can be passed between transactions. Obviously, in this example Alice trusts that Bob will prepare Tx3 as above, so that the computation can be completed successfully. A simple extension could require that Tx2:Out2 is signed by both Alice and Bob, so that Alice can verify that Bob has prepared the correct transaction. However, Bob could indefinitely delay the execution by refusing either to prepare the transaction or to sign it. Alice could also prepare Tx3, send it to Bob, and avoid to store data after OP_RETURN. It is noted that this approach requires one to wait for confirmation that each chunk of computation is in the blockchain.

Detailed examples of these two implementations of the underlying technique are provided below, and in reference to the accompanying figures. The following description is organized as follows:

-   -   “Embodiment 1” describes the first approach that uses only two         transactions; multiple inputs and outputs are manipulated     -   “Embodiment 2” describes the alternative approach which “links”         or chains multiple transactions to achieve the same technical         effect. It is worth noting that combinations of the two         approaches are also possible.

To illustrate the use of both embodiments, we now consider the following example which evaluates a function ƒ(x,y,z) defined as follows

ƒ(x,y,z)=(x·y+z)·x

We (or the compiler) express ƒ(x,y,z) as a sum of simple functions

g ₁(x,y)=x·y

g ₂(g ₁(x,y)z)=g ₁(x,y)+z

ƒ(g ₂(g ₁(x,y),z),x)=g ₂(g ₁(x,y),z)·x

In both embodiments, the variables x, y, and z, which represent the arguments of g₁ and g₂, will be contained in transaction unlocking scripts, while the functions g₁ and g₂ themselves will be contained in locking scripts. Therefore, hereafter, we will use the terms “function” and “locking script” interchangeably. In particular, x and y will be in the script that unlocks the locking script containing g₁. Similarly, g₁(x,y) and z will be in the script that unlocks the locking script containing g₂.

In the subsequent section of this paper, the example we use include the op_codes OP_ADD and PrO_MULT. These identifiers represent the arithmetic operations addition (+) and multiplication (·) respectively. The op_codes OP_X, OP_Y, and OP_Z represent the variables x, y, and z. The symbols G₁ and G₂ represent the values at the top of the stack after the locking scripts corresponding to g₁ and g₂ will have been unlocked. OP_ADD is an op_code which forms part of the Bitcoin script language. We use the term “PrO_MULT”, short for “primitive operator” to refer to an operation which can be executed to perform a multiplication operation. In the current version of Bitcoin, the op_codes for multiplication (such as OP_MUL, OP_2MUL) are disabled and so PrO_MULT could be a custom-defined operation to provide that currently disabled functionality. Of course, if the OP_MUL etc opcodes are re-enabled then these could be used instead. Thus, the present invention can be used solely with functions that use standard (enabled) opcodes, and the implementation details of custom-built operators are not part of, or relevant to, the present invention. Therefore, details relating to how PrO_MULT could be implemented are not necessary to the understanding of the present invention, and have not been included herein for the sake of clarity.

The example presented herein corresponds to the execution of a very simple smart contract in which funds are transferred from Alice to Bob, conditional on the successful execution of a long script. The script inputs are provided by Bob, and one can envisage two possible malicious behaviours. Firstly, Bob might provide incorrect inputs such that the script executes successfully and the funds are transferred to him. However, when the transaction(s) is/are stored in the blockchain, the inputs become publicly available allowing Alice to dispute the contract. Secondly, if Bob has any reason to refuse the transfer from Alice, he might decide to stall the transaction indefinitely, therefore preventing the execution of the contract. In the most straightforward scenario, Alice must simply trust that Bob will not stall the execution of the contract and that he will provide the correct inputs. Additional security mechanisms may be utilised in conjunction with the inventive concept to enhance security.

Embodiment 1: Splitting Scripts into Multiple Inputs and Outputs

FIGS. 1, 9 a and 9 b illustrate the chain of transactions and the sequential steps involved in a multiple inputs/outputs approach of embodiment 1. Tx1 contains a set of Unspent Transaction Outputs (UTXOs) that will be consumed by Tx2. The construction of Tx2 proceeds incrementally, step by step. At each phase, an (automated software) agent presents an unlocking script to one UTXO of Tx1. The agent validates Tx2, reads the value(s) on top of the stack, and prepares a new unlocking script. The automated generation of blockchain transactions and scripts is known in the art and therefore not explained herein.

The agent may use the information obtained from the stack in the previous step (or from earlier steps), and presents this new unlocking script to another UTXO contained within Tx1. Tx2 is broadcasted when all the necessary steps are accomplished for the present task.

Advantageously, this technique decouples the functions contained in the locking scripts of Tx1 from the arguments contained in the unlocking scripts provided by Tx2. Functions become immutable once Tx1 has been added to the blockchain and verified. In addition, at this stage, the function arguments (inputs) may even be unknown. They are revealed only later, when Tx2 is prepared. This may be advantageous and provide enhanced security.

The sequence of steps for embodiment 1 is shown in FIG. 1, FIGS. 9a and 9b and can be described as follows:

Step 0: Alice submits transaction 1 (as shown in FIG. 1) to the Bitcoin network. Step 1: Bob prepares an initial version of transaction 2 Step 3: Bob presents <Bob's signature><OP_X><OP_Y><Redeem script 2> to output0. Bob validates transaction 2, reads the value G₁ on top of the stack, but does not broadcast transaction 2. Step 4: Bob presents <Bob's signature><G₁><OP_Z><Redeem Script 2> to output1. Bob validates transaction 2, reads the value G₂ on top of the stack, but does not broadcast transaction 2. Step 5: Bob presents <Bob's signature><G₂><OP_X><Redeem script 3> to output. Bob validates transaction 2 and broadcasts it.

For the sake of simplicity, we do not provide extensive details regarding Tx1's inputs and Tx2's output(s). FIG. 2 shows Transaction 1 (Tx1). FIG. 3 shows transaction 2 (Tx2).

Embodiment 2: Splitting Scripts in Multiple Transactions

The second embodiment uses blockchain transactions to compose functions (see FIG. 4). This approach is similar in principle to the previous embodiment. However, during the validation phase, the agent reads the value(s) on top of the stack, and adds it/them after an OP_RETURN as explained above.

FIGS. 5 to 8 show transactions 1, 2, 3, and 4 in accordance with an illustrative version of embodiment 2.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be capable of designing many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed in parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claims. The word “comprising” and “comprises”, and the like, does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in any claim or the specification as a whole. In the present specification, “comprises” means “includes or consists of” and “comprising” means “including or consisting of”. The singular reference of an element does not exclude the plural reference of such elements and vice-versa. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In a device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. 

1. A method of using a plurality of blockchain transactions to execute a computer-implemented task, the method comprising the steps: using an unlocking script (ULS1) in a blockchain transaction (Tx2) to present at least one data item to a locking script (LS1) of another transaction (Tx1) so as to provide a result on a stack; generating a further unlocking script (ULS2) which comprises the result provided on the stack; and presenting the further unlocking script (ULS2) to a further locking script (LS2) such that the result from the stack is provided as input to the further locking script.
 2. A method according to claim 1, and further comprising: performing one or more of the steps of claim 1 more than once.
 3. A method according to claim 1, and further comprising the step of: using the at least one data item in the execution of a calculation or sequence of instructions provided within the locking script (LS1).
 4. A method according to claim 1, and further comprising the step of: using the result provided on the stack in the execution of a calculation or sequence of instructions provided within the further locking script (LS2).
 5. A method according to claim 1, and further comprising the step of: obtaining the result from the stack.
 6. A method according to claim 1, and further comprising the step of: validating the blockchain transaction (Tx2) and/or the other transaction (Tx1) to generate the result on the stack.
 7. A method according to claim 1, wherein: the unlocking script (ULS1) and the further unlocking script (ULS2) are provided in association with different inputs within the same blockchain transaction (Tx2).
 8. A method according to claim 1, wherein: the locking script (LS1) and the further locking script (LS2) are provided in association with different outputs within the same blockchain transaction (Tx1).
 9. A method according to claim 1, wherein: the unlocking script (ULS1) and the further unlocking script (ULS2) are provided in association with inputs within different blockchain transactions.
 10. A method according to claim 1, wherein: the locking script (LS1) and the further locking script (LS2) are provided in association with outputs within different blockchain transactions.
 11. A method according to claim 1, wherein: the step of presenting the further unlocking script (ULS2) to a further locking script (LS2) provides a further result on the stack, or on a different stack.
 12. A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of generating the further unlocking script (ULS2) comprises: amending the blockchain transaction (Tx2) to insert an input (In2), wherein the further unlocking script (ULS2) is associated with the inserted input (In2).
 13. A method according to claim 1, and further comprising the step of: using a blockchain client to obtain the result from the stack.
 14. A method according to claim 13 wherein: the blockchain client is a Bitcoin client.
 15. A method according to claim 1, and further comprising the step of: submitting the blockchain transaction (Tx2) and/or other blockchain transaction (Tx1) to a blockchain network.
 16. A method according to claim 1, wherein: the plurality of blockchain transactions are for a blockchain, the blockchain being consensus-based, distributed, electronic ledger; and/or the blockchain is the Bitcoin blockchain; one, some or all of the plurality of blockchain transactions are Bitcoin transactions; and/or the method is arranged for execution on the Bitcoin blockchain.
 17. A method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one data item is provided as metadata within the unlocking script (ULS1); and/or the result is provided as metadata within the further unlocking script (ULS2);
 18. A method according to claim 1, and further comprising the step of: using the method to compute a final result, and using the final result to control a process performed off a blockchain.
 19. A computer-implemented system arranged and configured to perform the method of claim
 1. 